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thought to be descendents of a hill tribe in northern
India and Myanmar (Burma). After the 16th century, Islam
separated from Java and crossed the kingdoms to the
Islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. Nowadays almost 90% of
Lombok people are Muslim.
In the 17th century the Balinese came to the west coast
of Lombok Island. Within several decades a kingdom was
established, extending the territory of the kingdom of
Karang Asem, East of Bali. The Hindu Religion began to
settle up on that times. In the beginning of the 18th
century, the Dutch colonized the eastern part of
Indonesia, including lesser Sunda (Bali, Lombok across
to Timor). Belonging to the Dutch administration of the
are they promoted Christian missions.
Religion
Lombok is often called the ‘island of a thousand
mosques’. The original religion in Lombok was called
Boda. This is a religion where they worshipped ancestors
and believed in spiritual communication. However, in the
14th century, king Majapahit conquered Lombok and spread
Hinduism and Buddhism. In the 16th century Islam came to
Lombok with a group of people from Java led by Sunan
Prapen. He firstly Islamized the kings. This was the
reason why Islam spread so quickly in Lombok, because
people listen to the king.
The two highest classes in Indonesia are Lalu and Raden.
To indicate that you are from one of these classes, you
put an L or an R in front of your name. You also have
Baig, Lale and Dende, and most of the inhabitants belong
to Jajar Karang/Kaula. This tradition stays stronger in
the villages then in the cities.
It is allowed to marry between the different classes,
but the one with highest class moves down socially.
Islam does not really have a social stratification
system. This system in Lombok is an old tradition from
the Hindu community, which is mixed with religion. Islam
in Lombok has kept quite a bit of the traditions from
Hindu time, an example is that the man chooses whom he
wants to marry. The man’s parents ask the female’s
parents if he can marry her. The female has not any
impact on this decision. But they also have the typical
Muslim traditions as circumcising, and maulid, the
celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Before Islam
came to Lombok, the island was divided into many small
kingdoms. The two biggest were Salapara and Bayern. But
there is no written history before Islam came to Lombok.
The Lalu and the Raden are originally from the kings.
The dominating ethnic group in Lombok is Sasak. To be a
Sasak, you also have to be a Muslim. A Hindu in Lombok
is called Bali, which shows that the name of an island
or an ethnic group also indicates the religion.
Money and
Local Currencies
When changing money there are many money changers in
Lombok. The best rates are usually in Senggigi. Money
changers prefer new, clean large bills and will accept
smaller denominations at a lower rate. If you have
traveler’s checks the rate will be less than bank notes.
Be sure to count your money before you leave money
changers. You can also check local banks but the rate is
slightly lower than outside. Re-count the money in front
of the money changer reception is a must, as usually
there's a quick tricky way how they can steal your
money. A suggestion when changing money. If you plan on
making small purchases be sure to carry small
denominations with you because many sellers do not have
change. The Rupiah come in denominations of 100.000,
50.000, 10.000, 5.000, 1.000, 500, and 100.
Lombok
Vehicles Rental
Don't miss Lombok's beautiful scenery. If you choose to
rent a car or motorcycles and drive yourself, you must
have an International Driving License. Renting a car is
a good alternative to get around Lombok, either self
driving or with driver so you can relax and enjoy the
view. (Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for
lunch or dinner). If you are pleased with service, tip (
Rp. 40,000 minimum). If you collide with anything, or it
collides with you, you are responsible for all cost.
Motorcycles are a convenient and inexpensive way to get
around the Island, but tourists are frequently injured
in motorbike accident. If you rent a bike, drive slowly
and very defensively. Helmets are required by law but
those provided by rental agencies offer little
protection.
Business Hours
Indonesian work in the morning to avoid the heat of the
day. If you need to visit a government office, arrive
between 08 AM and 11:30 AM. This also apply to banks and
private businesses. Government offices close early on
Fridays and Saturdays. Generally offices are open
07:30AM - 3 PM Monday - Thursday, 07:00AM - noon on
Friday, banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please
be advice about our time zone Lombok is GMT + 8.
Cell Phone
Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM. If you have brought
your cellular hand phone, you can purchase prepaid
calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than
calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell the sim cards
are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel,
Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with
those markings.
Health and Medical Info
Most hotels have on call doctors. For what it is known
by Australian as "Bali Belly", Lomotil and Imodium
eliminate Symptoms, but not infections. A fever along
with the symptoms requires doctor prescribed
antibiotics. Drink as much as liquid as possible. For
discomfort, diarrhea, and cramping, drink strong, hot
tea; avoid fruits and spicy food. Drink only bottled
water or boiled water (air putih).
Peel the fruit before eating; avoid raw vegetables
except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants is
safe. Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun.
Use sun block and hat. Sexually transmitted diseases are
increasing in Indonesia. Local sex workers have multiple
partners from all over the world. Act responsibly and
use condoms, available over the counter at pharmacies.
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17,000
islands that make up Indonesia, it is not
difficult to see
why everybody leaves with only wonderful
memories and promises to return.
This tropical island lies
east of Bali. It offers tourists a vast array of activities,
sites, adventures and destinations. Whether you like to have a
relaxing beach vacation, an action-packed
adventure trek, daily tours
